Two minutes with Stop & Shop’s Hempson

As the United States slips into a recession and as unemployment continues to rise, supermarket executives are seeing more of their customers counting their dimes before heading to the checkout line. LIBN spoke to Bob Hempson, district manager at Stop & Shop, about the change in customer buying patterns.

So are you seeing a difference in how Long Islanders shop?

Yes, two things are happening. We’re seeing an increase in business at the food stores because the disposable income that was spent in restaurants is now being spent at the supermarket. People are trying to leverage the dollar. We’re also seeing an increase in the corporate brand sales, whether that’s the Stop & Shop brand or Nature’s Promise. Corporate brand sales are now 15 percent of total sales. Nationwide, that’s generally at about 6 percent.
How much cheaper is a Stop & Shop brand item?

It depends on the product. But shoppers are looking at ketchup, for example, and they’ll see a brand name costs $1.67 per quart. Our private label is $1.30.

Is there a quality difference?

They are comparable to the national brands.

So there seems to be a big change in customer behavior patterns.

To be perfectly honest, a lot of our customers used to not pay attention to their food bill. Now they’re thinking that if they save $10 or $20 per week, that can be put toward the heating bill.

What is Stop & Shop doing to help educate shoppers?

We conducted two affordable-food summits, one in Woodbury and another in East Northport. We had panels, which included consumer advocates, Legislature members and people from our industry. The panels focused on what everyone can do to leverage their food dollar. For example, try to do all the shopping in one trip. Be disciplined and do not buy items that are not on your list. Buy vegetables that are fresh or frozen and buy fresh potatoes, instead of prepared potatoes, which cost more. And buy so you can prepare enough for two meals, instead of one. Also, stop buying lunch at the fast food store or the deli. If you brown bag it, you’re getting a wholesome meal at a 50 percent savings. And as I mentioned before, look for store labels.

Anything else?

Yes. When something is on special, buy more than one unit. Stock up the pantry.
Has the downturn also led to lower prices?

Yes, we have a whole new line of sale items, real deal items, throughout the store. Our buyers are out there trying to get the best deals and then we will pass that on to our customers.

On an unrelated topic, how popular are the recyclable bags?

We will have sold 5 million of them by the end of this year. They are quite popular.

One comment

I am originally from Massachusetts…was just up there visiting..and bought your Chinese Sausages links from your store in North Attleboro..froze it..took it back with me..to Myrtle Beach, SC. 29755. I can not find it anywhere down here in the South… Is there anyway I could order from you people and you have it shipped on dry ice..if so..would be greatly appreciated.
If so, I will be able to supply you with my infos..credit card..etc.
Sincerely,
Maureen J. Whitty
830 44th Ave. North Unit B-1
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577